Monroe Distracted Driving Accident Attorney

Fighting For Distracted Driving Accident Victims in Louisiana

Distracted driving is one of the biggest problems on our nation’s roads. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 2,800 people died in crashes involving a distracted driver in 2018 (the latest year for which data are available) and approximately 400,000 more were injured. According to data gathered by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and reported on by KSLA, Louisiana ranked seventh deadliest in the nation for distracted driving accidents in 2019. Despite laws prohibiting it, distracted driving remains a serious issue throughout the state.

If you or someone you love was involved in an accident with a distracted driver, you may be entitled to financial compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. Driving while distracted is a form of negligence, and motorists who engage in this type of behavior can be held legally responsible for the harm they cause.

Contact Parker Alexander online or call our office at (318) 625-6262 to speak to one of our Monroe distracted driving attorneys today about your rights. 

Distracted Driving Laws in Louisiana

Louisiana has several laws against distracted driving. It is important that you know and follow these laws, not only to ensure your own safety but also to help keep others on the road safe.

Below are some distracted driving laws all Louisiana motorists should know:

• You may not read, write, or send text messages while driving
• You may not use social media (read, write, post, etc.) while driving
• Motorists under the age of 16 may not use handheld or hands-free wireless devices
• Motorists under the age of 18 may not use cell phones while driving
• Motorists with learner’s permits may not use cell phones while driving
• Motorists may not use cell phones while driving for the first year of having their licenses
• You may not use a cell phone or another similar device in an active school zone

There are some exceptions to these laws. Motorists in Louisiana may use navigational systems, including GPS devices, while driving. They may also use cell phones when legally parked or when reporting an emergency or criminal act, such as drunk driving. Additionally, you are permitted to use a cell phone when you reasonably believe your safety is at risk or when operating an emergency vehicle and using a cell phone is required by your job.

Common Injuries in Distracted Driving Accidents

Distracted driving accidents could result in a wide range of injuries, varying in severity. Some of the most common injuries include:

• Whiplash: This injury is caused by the rapid back-and-forth motion of the neck during a collision.
• Head injuries: Concussions, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), and other head traumas can occur when the head strikes an object or is violently shaken.
• Spinal cord injuries: Damage to the spinal cord can result in partial or complete paralysis, significantly impacting the victim's quality of life.
• Broken bones: Fractures can often occur in various parts of the body, often requiring surgery and extensive rehabilitation.
• Lacerations and bruises: Cuts and bruises from shattered glass, debris, or impact on the vehicle's interior.
• Internal injuries: Damage to internal organs can be life-threatening and may require emergency medical intervention.
• Psychological trauma: The emotional and mental effects of an accident could lead to conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression.